Anthem Prep Student Runs Without Sight

Aurora Lea is a middle school student at Great Hearts Anthem who just completed her first cross-country season. Like many runners, she enjoys the freedom and accomplishment she feels finishing at a meet. But for Lea, running is also a disciplined practice in trust and teamwork. With vision measured at 20/800, meaning she must be just 20 feet away to see what most can from 800, she runs not by sight, but by faith… in her teammates and her guide.

Her volunteer guide, Patrick Howley, was paired with Lea through the Achilles International, a global organization whose mission is to break down barriers to race start lines and empower the disability community to cross the finish line. “He is my helper. He’s my eyes while I’m running,” she explained.

Their connection is built on absolute trust. “She’s relying on just me, and this tether, and our communication,” said Howley. “Not many people would put that much trust in another individual. That’s the key strength that she’s got.”

While they run, Patrick narrates the path ahead, such as curbs, potholes, puddles, and other runners. With each obstacle, quick coordination and correction are key. The tether between them is their lifeline. A slight tug to the left or right signals a turn, and a quick lift keeps Aurora from falling if she stumbles. Together, they move as one.

Lea says she loves to run. “When I do run, it makes me feel free,” she shared with a smile. Over time, she’s grown more confident, expanding her comfort level from running solely on concrete to tackling the uneven terrain of grass and gravel. This adaptability has earned her the respect of her teammates as an athlete determined to live beyond limits.

Besides her guide and teammates, Lea has an amazing support system, starting with her grandmother, Toni Lemaster, who has raised her since birth. “I probably wouldn’t be doing cross country if it wasn’t for my nana,” Lea admitted.

“She became interested in running with me and so that’s really what started our running journey together and helping her find her own running journey,” explained Lemaster.

Lemaster enjoys cheering her granddaughter on at each event, but she is not the only one. “She became more of a celebrity almost at some of the races,” said Lemaster. “People would notice that she was doing something people didn’t expect from someone with low vision.”

Middle School Head Coach Justin Hollman says he has found so much joy in coaching her. “She never complains, never moans. It’s just awesome to have her.” Hollman got a little emotional as he talked about her. “Could you imagine, you know, competing in these meets blindfolded? I couldn’t do it.”

Now in her first year at Great Hearts Anthem, Lea has found a nurturing environment where her abilities are celebrated. Teachers, coaches, and classmates have rallied around her success. “They’ve been amazing,” said Lemaster. “This was the best choice for us and the best choice for Aurora. She’s excelling.”

With Patrick’s guidance, her nana’s love, the admiration of her coach, and Anthem Prep’s support, she runs fearlessly, joyfully, and freely. Her story reminds us all that vision isn’t limited to what the eyes can see, but what the heart dares to pursue.

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